Machines on Blast

Machines on Blast – Black Market Happiness
Taking the groove metal aspects of Devildriver and merging them with some ’90s industrial influences (a la Stabbing Westward or even Fear Factory), Machines on Blast have a interesting vibe going. It’s immediately catchy on both the riff and electronic ends, and it prompts feelings of both headbanging and shaking a leg at the same time. Toss in some occasional gothic sounds too (see “Living the Lie”) and it becomes insidiously infectious. It captures some dark industrial sounds of the past and successfully brings them up to modern metal standards. A total win for those seeking groovy melodies. - Kyle McGinn (Dead Rhetoric)

Machines on Blast - "Black Market Happiness"
Four years after their debut album "Tin Man Empire", Machines on Blast have returned with their thirteen track magnum opus "Black Market Happiness". The band tapped into the power of metal veteran producer Henrik Udd for mixing and mastering. The band has released the album in both digital and CD formats with artwork from Bahrull Marta. - STEVEN GULLOTTA (Brutal Resonance)

1.Introduce yourself and your band and tell us why we should listen to you.


My name is Evan Mitchell and my band is called Machines on Blast. Our latest album, Black Market Happiness, is a diverse blend of metal stylings all wrapped within an industrial metal package that remains completely authentic from concept to delivery. This is album is aggressive. this album is emotional. This album is loud. Check it out.”




2.What do you classify your sound as, Who do you tell people you sound like?

We fall into the Industrial Metal & Alternative Metal category, but we also have songs that stray from that and live in the Rock world. I don't like to use other bands to describe our sound, but I have been told that we have a Fear Factory, Static X, DevilDriver vibe.



3.With digital music in today's world would you vote to keep or eliminate physical media?

100% keep. It may be on a smaller scale now, but plenty of people still buy physical media.



4.What is the reason you decided to be a musician and has that reason paid off?

It's just something that is in my blood. If I'm not working on music or art I feel completely lost. Has it paid off? Sure, keeping my sanity is super important.



5.How do you feel about females in metal getting special attention? Do you feel it is fair?

I have no issues with it, we are all just trying to get to ahead and some people will have an easier path than others, that's life!



6.In the world climate with hatred being at an all-time high and metal being “ angry” music, Do you think your music contributes to anger and hatred?

Not at all, if anything "angry" music provides an outlet of relief for its listeners.



7.Are you opposed to religious beliefs or politics being used in music?

Write and speak your mind, I'm in no position to judge.



8.We have dived into some pretty deep issues here do you think your music sends a message and if so what is it?




Every release will have its own message. Our current release, Black Market Happiness, deals with the complex world of mental health as a whole. Touching on the causes and effects that seem to surround so many, though so few are comfortable enough to talk about it themselves.



9.The market has changed and many bands believe that record labels are a thing of the past, with many labels now charging bands to “sign” how do you think a band can make it in today's scene?

It's hit or miss and it all depends on how good your negotiation skills are. If said label has the money and is willing to sink it into the development and promotion of your band that is above and beyond what you can do as an independent artist, then you might want to put some serious thought into what they are offering. Just be careful because I see countless bands signing to smaller labels (because it's exciting to say you got signed) then a few weeks or months later you never see any push from these labels. So what was gained?



10.Why with the thousands of options including Netflix , sporting events everything on-demand, Why do you think people should take the time to listen to what you have to say in your music?

I'm no one special, just an artist who sings about my life's thoughts and adventures in a realistic form. So if that interests you, I would love to have you come along for the ride!



11.How do you feel about pay to play? Do you think it is fair for a band to have to pay money to play?

It has been and will always be a garbage practice, I watched it



first hand destroy the Los Angeles music scene. All you end up getting is a bunch of opening acts that don't fit the theme of the night and got booked because they were willing to pay the cost. The community notices this trend and that is why few people take the time to come and see the opening local acts. Passing the cost on to the local bands because the promoter can't afford the cost of the headliner. That is all it is, minus a few exceptions to the rule. With what some of these people are trying to charge local bands to play one show, with just a few hundred dollars more, you could just buy on to 5 or 6 dates of the tour directly.


12.It is fact that you are the talent and the entertainment explain what you think is the most important key to success?

Persistence and knowing if what you are writing is great or it's shit. Always be totally honest with yourself and what you create, then you got a solid foundation to move up.



13.In country music and even in some cases rock music is written and performed by different people would your band perform a song written by someone else?

Sure, if it fits the vibe of what we do.



14.If you are pro-female in music are you pro using sex to sell your music?

Do whatever gimmick you think is going to work for you.



15.What is your view on the lawsuits against people saying lewd or unprofessional things to women or men and how does that affect an art described as sex drugs and rock n roll?

My answers would have to be on a case by case basis, I'm not going to give a broad answer for situations I know little about, but with that being said, Treat people with respect and kindness and don't be a douche.





16. Ok let's lighten up a bit. What is your favorite band of all time and why?

I don't have a favorite band, I dig all music for all different reasons, just depends on the mood I'm in at the time. Type O Negative's October Rust is currently playing.



17.What would you be doing if you were not in a band?

If I was not in a band, I would just be writing solo, the creativity will never end!



18. Do you have a favorite sports team? Negative



19.If you could get on stage with anyone dead or alive who would it be?

I would love to be on stage with The Marshall Tucker Band and sing "Can't you see."



20.This is your shot to let loose, Throw down your biggest complaint about the music biz.

It is what it is. It has never been a welcoming or easy business to navigate through, and never will be. - The Metal TImes